Upper School Learning Specialist - The Blake School

The Blake School seeks a highly collaborative and skilled Upper School learning specialist who is passionate about helping students build confidence and academic skills. The learning specialist is part of a team committed to employing best practices in supporting students with learning differences. The learning support department is dedicated to helping students pursue their educational goals, providing appropriate academic support and accommodations for the present and “preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens.” We are eager to meet candidates with experience working with high school students with learning differences who also share our commitment to pluralism, curiosity and empathy, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. 

This is a part-time position, 32 hours per week (follows the faculty calendar) and benefits eligible. The Upper School learning specialist is responsible for coaching a caseload of Upper School students with learning differences. This person must be experienced with reading neuropsychological evaluations, which are used to develop accommodation plans for Blake students. The learning specialist works closely with the learning support team, administrators, counselors, faculty and parents as we use a “team approach” to support students. Meeting with Blake seniors as they transition to higher education is also a vital aspect of this role. Knowledge of best practices in implementing assistive technology is essential to this position.

Minimum qualifications for this position include at least three years of experience in learning support or a related field and at least a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field. Specialized knowledge, training and skills in working with students with learning disabilities and executive function disorders are essential. The Blake School is committed to supporting the professional growth of its staff, and we encourage all applicants to take advantage of the opportunities for growth and learning we provide. Familiarity with independent schools is preferred.

Blake is particularly interested in candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity and lived experience that makes a community strong and empowers students to engage across differences. Blake provides substantial resources for professional learning in areas including adolescent development, learning differences and intercultural competence. Blake will cover the travel and lodging costs for finalist candidates visiting from out of town.

Applications will be reviewed beginning Nov. 27. 

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,330 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake’s mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse, supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning, and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its commitment to pluralism and values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental, or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE